Jumping of the bull ceremony Ethiopia

Editorial Stock Photo

Turmi, Ethiopia: jumping of the bull ceremony of the Hamer tribe. The event is a rite of passage for men about to marry and is seen as a step from childhood to manhood. Before the bull jumping takes place, female relatives provoke the adult Hamer men to whip them on their bare backs. This causes life-long scaring on the women and is obviously very painful. The scars are a symbol of devotion to the men and are encouraged by the tribe.